Learn how the museum has evolved from its founding in a carriage house to becoming the world’s biggest children’s museum. Below are major milestones and events in our history.
[1925] The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is founded in December. Its first home is the Carriage House of the Propylaeum in the city’s Old Northside neighborhood.
[1926] The museum moves to the Shelter House in Garfield Park. Arthur B. Carr (1872–1956) is named museum director.
[1927] The museum moves to the former home of its founder, Mary Stewart Carey, at 1150 N. Meridian St. (known as the Carey House).
[1933] The Children’s Museum Guild is formed. This all-volunteer organization contributes time, money, and service to the museum.
[1937] First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visits the museum to see a collection of dolls made by WPA workers employed by the museum.
[1946] The museum moves to what becomes its permanent site at 30th and Meridian Streets, purchasing the limestone mansion known as Parry House for $63,500. Grace Golden (1899–1966) is named director following the retirement of Arthur B. Carr.
[1950s–1960s] During this period, the museum begins acquiring properties adjacent and near Parry House and presents larger and more ambitious exhibits, including The Hall of Man and a Transportation Gallery.
[1964] Mildred Compton (1917–1993) is named museum director following the retirement of Grace Golden.
[1964] The Children’s Museum Guild creates its first Haunted House, a successful annual fundraising event that still thrives today, 60 years later.
[1965] An iconic 9-foot polar bear comes to the museum on a long-term loan from trustee Harry D. Tousley. The specimen was formally donated to the museum in 1986 by the Tousley family.
[1968] The iconic Reuben Wells, a steam engine built in 1868 to push trains up the steepest railroad grade in the nation (located in Madison, Indiana), comes to the museum on loan. It is housed in a custom-built train shed constructed on the museum’s grounds.
[1971] The museum is among the first two dozen museums in the nation, and the first in Indianapolis, to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
[1973] Museum director Mildred Compton, board president George Varnes, and Indianapolis Mayor Richard Lugar break ground for an all-new new museum building at 30th and Meridian streets.
[1976] The Children’s Museum opens its new, five-story dedicated museum structure, becoming the world’s largest children’s museum at 225,000 square feet (a designation it still holds). In addition to galleries, the new facility includes the Ruth Allison Lilly Theater.
[1982] Peter Sterling (1935–2016) becomes the fourth director of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis following the retirement of Mildred Compton.
[1984] The museum’s collection nearly doubles in size with Frank and Theresa Caplan’s gift of more than 50,000 toys and folk art objects from 120 countries around the world.
[1985] Mysteries in History opens, featuring life-size re-creations of structures from Indiana’s past that visitors could explore.
[1986] Passport to the World opens, a permanent exhibit featuring the Caplan Collection.
[1988] The museum expands, opening its first Welcome Center and two special exhibit galleries. The Welcome Center features the Sunburst Window and Bernard Gitton’s iconic Water Clock.
[1989] SpaceQuest Planetarium opens.
[1990] The Eli Lilly Center for Exploration opens—a gallery aimed at 10- to 18-year-olds and meant for exploring topics in depth.
[1996] The museum opens the 310-seat Cinedome to showcase large-format films, as well as Allen W. Clowes Festival Park, an area in front of the museum for special outdoor events.
[1997] The Children’s Museum receives a transformative $40 million gift from the estate of Enid Goodrich.
[1998] The museum receives its first National Medal for Museum and Library Services in recognition of its commitment to the surrounding neighborhood and the Indianapolis community.
[1999] Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen is named president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
[2000] Carousel Wishes and Dreams opens, showcasing the museum’s Dentzel Carousel.
[2004] The museum unveils the immersive experience Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World. The creation of the exhibit fundamentally repurposes the existing (former Cinedome) structure. Parking Garage construction is also completed.
[2006] Fireworks of Glass, a permanent glass sculpture installation by artist Dale Chihuly, is unveiled.
[2007] The Power of Children: Making a Difference® opens, an exhibit examining the stories of three children—Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White—who became heroes of the 20th century by overcoming hatred, racism, and fear.
[2009] The museum opens the current Welcome Center and the Skywalk over Illinois Street. Exterior additions include the installation of massive brachiosaur sculptures and the creation of the Anne Frank Peace Park.
[2009] The blockbuster Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs is featured, and the museum unveils Take Me There®: Egypt—the first in the Take Me There exhibits series.
[2011] National Geographic Treasures of the Earth opens
[2013] The museum reimagines its popular Playscape® exhibit.
[2014] China’s Terra Cotta Warriors: The Emperor’s Painted Army is showcased in tandem with the unveiling of Take Me There®: China.
[2014] The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is awarded its second National Medal for Museum and Library Service—the nation’s highest honor for museum service to the community.
[2015] The museum organizes the groundbreaking exhibit National Geographic Scared Journeys.
[2016] Beyond Spaceship Earth opens, an exhibit comprising an interactive re-creation of portions of the International Space Station, the Schaefer Planetarium and Space Object Theater, and the Indiana Astronaut Wall of Fame.
[2016] Corteva Agriscience ScienceWorks opens, offering new immersive experiences.
[2016] The museum’s Old National Bank Mid-North Promise Program awards its first scholarships for college tuition and workforce training.
[2017] The Galleries for American Arts and Popular Culture, featuring the permanent exhibit American POP and a gallery for temporary exhibits, opens.
[2018] The Children’s Museum unveils its largest expansion in 40 years—the 7.5-acre Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience.
[2019] Organized by the museum, Treasures of Ancient Greece introduces families to the myriad contributions of ancient Greece to the modern world. The exhibit is presented in association with the opening of Take Me There®: Greece.
[2021] Jennifer Pace Robinson is named president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
The story of girls’ education activist Malala Yousafzai is added to The Power of Children.
[2022] As part of the $27.5 million project known as Mission Jurassic, Dinosphere reopens after a year-long closure with three distinct sections: Creatures of the Cretaceous®, Giants of the Jurassic™, and Monsters of the Mesozoic Seas™.
[2025] The Children’s Museum celebrates 100 years of sparking memories, wonder, and dreams!
From our founding in a small carriage house, the museum has evolved to become a nationally ranked family learning destination, sparking memories, wonder, and dreams for all. Join us as we reflect on our past, celebrate the present, and ignite a future of even greater impact.
Celebrate with Us
3000 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN, USA 46208-4716
317-334-4000
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ignite joy, wonder, and curiosity by creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults.
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